As opposed to the situation in other cities in Punjab, the mortuary at the government-run civil hospital in SAS Nagar (Mohali) is not in a shambles.

The post-mortem room has an air-conditioner while the other two rooms that house the freezers have exhaust fans to keep foul smell out. (Karun Sharma/HT Photo)

As opposed to the situation in other cities in Punjab, the mortuary at the government-run civil hospital in SAS Nagar (Mohali) is not in a shambles.

However, it needs better maintenance.

There is hardly any foul smell, no dingy corners; but the walls were damp, and there are loose-hanging wires at the entrance. Of the eight freezers at the mortuary, which on an average two post-mortems a week, four are under repair.

The post-mortem room has an air-conditioner while the other two rooms that house the freezers have exhaust fans to keep foul smell out. But there are rods, sticks, boards and other material stacked next to the freezers. The road leading to the mortuary has wild growth and plastic waste dumped.

It is under a forensic expert assisted by two employees for cleanliness.

“The hospital does not see many post-mortems as most serious cases are referred to Chandigarh. The mortuary is cleaned every day; but authorities have done nothing about the dampness of walls,” said employees on the condition of anonymity.

CAN PAY AND KEEP BODY

If the death has not occurred, hence post-mortem not conducted, at the civil hospital, residents can still keep a body at the mortuary, at Rs 100 a day, for a maximum of seven days.

This facility is available at private hospital too, but charges go up to Rs 1,000 a day.